FINAL preparations are being made for a spectacular display of land and air attractions next weekend with the return of Flywheel festival.

The historic motoring and aviation event at Bicester Heritage will feature a dynamic line-up of parades, flying demonstrations and tyre-squealing motorsports.

Performers from living history group the Oxfordshire Home Guard are shining up their boots ahead of displays on the first weekend of July.

Second Lieutenant James Mitchell, 52, said: "We are keen supporters of Bicester Heritage and we love the atmosphere of the airfield at Bicester.

"I'm sure it will be bigger and better than last year because these things always improve.

"We love educating the public on the history we know and people always enjoy watching."

The group aims to give a accurate depiction of the Home Guard, which was formed in 1940 for local defence in the event of an invasion.

Oxfordshire Home Guardsmen were affiliated to the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and wore the familiar stringed bugle horn cap badge.

Mr Mitchell said: "We will be putting on a static display of weapons and equipment used by the Home Guard during the Second World War.

"In addition we will put on drill manoeuvres and marching, and also bayonet practice to demonstrate to the public what these chaps were doing.

"The whole Dad's Army scenario is a very light-hearted look at the Home Guard and important in its own right, but we try to portray the real Home Guard."

Elsewhere, British motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss OBE will be present with his wife signing autographs and will be reunited with the Lotus 18 in which he won the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix. He said: "Susie and I are thrilled to be making our first visit to Flywheel. It should be an action-packed weekend, full of fun for all the family."

Up above a P-51 D Mustang and the iconic Spitfire MH434 will roar through the skies, with the Great War Display Team recreating the dog-fights that raged over the trenches in WW1. Tanks, armoured cars and Jeeps will also be prominent on the ground, with selected historic tanks put through their paces at a 'live action tank arena'.

A live music marquee, a traditional funfair, vintage clothing and craft stalls and a silent cinema will keep everyone entertained throughout.

For more information on Flywheel or to purchase tickets visit flywheelfestival.com